Local media are providing budget coverage from a city-wide perspective, reporting the 2.33 per cent property tax increase equates to about $38.51 on a home assessed at $288,190. The 2017 budget also includes increased investments in roads, police, fire paramedic services, and more.

My article today highlights key items I’ve been working to secure in the 2017 budget, specific to the South Winnipeg–St. Norbert ward. See my website for more details.

Pending budget approval on Dec. 13, 2016, watch for the following to occur in our ward in 2017: • Transit route expansion in Bridgwater Forest and South Pointe; • Reconstruction of sections of South Pembina Highway and the addition of bike lanes between Dalhousie, Killarney and De Vos; • Expansion of southbound Kenaston to improve the "funky flyover" on Bishop Grandin; • Purchase of land for the new South Winnipeg Recreation Complex; • Funding for the planning of a new South Winnipeg library in the new rec complex; • Upgrades to King’s Park, Dakota Park, and Grandmont Park; and• A sidewalk extension on Cornell.

Additionally, there will be residential road upgrades in our ward, with specific roadways being identified at a future Public Works Committee meeting. Please call or email me if you have any questions on the 2017 budget.

There are many upcoming events in our ward with dates and details on my website at janicelukes.ca.

On Dec. 17, I am supporting Breakfast with the Winnipeg Police Service for adult men, newly arrived and settling in Canada. On Feb. 8, I’ve organized a panel of experts to provide insight on how Winnipeg’s new impact fees will affect the targeted communities of Bridgwater and South Pointe, and on Feb. 11, I am holding a public information session with the City’s director of fire prevention to learn how to combat illegal rental housing from a fire prevention perspective.

And of course, there are many activities occurring in celebration of the holiday/winter season: Skating with Santa; Pembina Active Living 55+ holiday party; Egyptian Food-O-Rama; Manitoba Chinese Family Centre’s Christmas concert; South Pointe Residents’ Group first Winter Community Celebration, and the always enjoyable Heritage Days in St. Norbert — all dates and details are on my website. It is a pleasure to serve as your city councillor and from my family to yours, I wish you a very joyous and safe holiday season.

Read more by Janice Lukes - South Winnipeg-St. Norbert City Councillor Ward Report.

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